I have little understanding in regards to the differences between the two, although I do have a few books on classical dressage which often dismiss modern dressage. From what I have gathered the differences are about how force full and trainer is with a horse. Training a horse in the classical manner will take allot longer than the modern methods, so therefore it yield quick results
I also understand that a horse that has been classically trained will never be able to succeed at the top because it hasn't been forcefully trained to do 'flashy movements' to impress the 'ignorant spectators who want circus like shows'. In other words, the modern dressage horse does not represent truly natural movements like a classically trained horse, but will always succeed in competition for pure entertainment reasons.
As I have already said, these are not my own interpretations of classical and modern dressage.
Thanks:)

Reading a book by Paul Belasic he said that one way to look at classical verses modern dressage was the pathway to getting to having the horse engaged, collected and on the bit.

The older methods, most suited to horse such as andalusians and lipizzaners, starts the young horse early in a double bridle and teaches the horse to recognized and respect the limits set by the bit/hands early on. Then, as the horse is worked more, it learns to engage the hind quarter more and more until it is not just connected to the bit, but connected through the back from hind to front and carries the rider in the correct manner , which helps develop the spine best for carryint the weight of a man.

The modern school , originating more from Germany, is more suited to the larger warmblood breeds for whom collection is less natural, and extension is more natural. The approach here was more of teaching the horse to engage the hind end and drive forward while the front reaches down and forwward, reaching for the bit, which is less limiiting in the beginning. Develop the forward drive from the hind end, THEN develop the front end boundaries to achieve collection.
Same result from different approaches.

Yep - exactly that JDI ;) Wasn't anything to do with your post spirithorse, no need to get your hackles up. AS JDI said, these posts go downhill so quickly and end up in a slinging match between those who think all horses should travel like the iberians and those who actually compete in 'modern' dressage.

Spyder, your post exemplifies the problem. I am not anti-dressage, that is what I teach.............I am anti rule violators who are ruining dressage IMHO and anti modern schooling which does not take patience like classical schooling.

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